Lee Kang-in Shines in Atlético Madrid Debut Despite Loss to Manchester City

Lee Kang-in, the 25-year-old South Korean midfielder, made a highly anticipated debut for Atlético Madrid in a friendly match against Manchester City as part of the '2026 Coupang Play Series.' The game, held at the Seoul World Cup Stadium, saw Lee feature prominently in Atlético's attack, playing alongside another striker.

Atlético Madrid ultimately lost the match 1-3 to Manchester City. Omar Marmoush, a forward for Manchester City, was the standout performer, scoring two goals to secure the victory for his team. Despite the team's defeat, Lee Kang-in's performance in his first outing for his new club was a significant talking point.

Notably, Lee Kang-in wore a jersey featuring Korean lettering during the match, adding a special touch to his debut in his home country. His inclusion in the starting lineup and his active participation in the game signaled the club's intentions for his role in the squad.

While the result was not in Atlético Madrid's favor, Lee Kang-in's debut provided fans with a glimpse of his potential and his integration into the team's tactics. The friendly match served as an important step in his transition to Spanish football and his contribution to Atlético Madrid's upcoming season.